--- title: NSW private schools to benefit from new Budget description: NSW private schools to benefit from new Budget image: https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_329767535-Feb-09-2022-10-56-18-06-AM.jpg --- Latest Guide | Transform how you manage policies with our interactive guide [![Ideagen School Governance Horizontal 2024](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/hubfs/Ideagen%20School%20Governance%20Horizontal%202024.svg "Ideagen School Governance Horizontal 2024")](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au) * * Search ** Search [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3786587/5eb7c708-5720-4c0c-874c-53f035b1dac7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3786587/5eb7c708-5720-4c0c-874c-53f035b1dac7) - [ Boarding Schools ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/boarding-schools) - [ COVID-19/Coronavirus ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/covid-19-coronavirus) - [ Child Protection ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/child-protection) - [ Early Learning ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/early-learning) - [ Excursions ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/excursions) - [ Gov, Risk and Compliance ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/governance-risk-compliance) - [ Human Resources ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/human-resources) - [ Overseas Students ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/overseas-students) - [ Privacy & Complaints Handling ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/privacy-complaints-handling) - [ School Gov & Executives ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/school-governance-executives) - [ School Registration ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/school-registration) - [ Social Media ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/social-media) - [ Student Wellbeing ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/student-wellbeing) - [ Workplace Safety ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/workplace-safety) - [ Weekly Wrap ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/tag/weekly-wrap) ## NSW private schools to benefit from new Budget 8/07/15 ![Resources](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_329767535-Feb-09-2022-10-56-18-06-AM.jpg) The  [NSW State Budget](http://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/126376/Budget_2015-16_Overview.pdf)  for 2015-16 was handed down on 23 June and in good news for schools in NSW, it includes a major investment in the education sector. NSW Treasurer Ms Berejiklian [pledged](http://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/126347/bp3_02educ.pdf) a record $12.4 billion investment in schools and early childhood education – a $635 million increase from last year. ## $1.1 billion for non-government shools Overall government funding support to non-government schools in 2015-16 is projected at a record-breaking $1.1 billion. The NSW State Budget also allocated an increased $50 million over the next four years ($12.5 million per annum) for new classrooms and facilities through the *Building Grants Assistance Scheme *(Scheme). This represents a 100 per cent increase under the Scheme. Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli [announced ](http://www.adrianpiccoli.com.au/media/media-releases/increased-support-students-non-government-schools)that the extra $50 million will be directed towards low and medium fee independent and Catholic schools to allow for the increasing demand for school places across NSW schools. The Minister said that “this funding recognises the significant role non-government schools will play in meeting that challenge.” These developments will allow for the projected 130 new classrooms each year needed to meet higher demand caused by increased enrolments. In particular, Catholic Education Commission NSW acting chairman Peter Turner is [quoted ](http://m.northernstar.com.au/news/funding-doubled-for-nsw-independent-schools/2679122/)by regional press as saying that Catholic schools would need to accommodate an extra 58,000 students by 2031. To be able to access the funds, schools must be accredited and registered under the *Education Act 1990* (NSW). ## How schools can use the new funding Under the Scheme [Guidelines,](https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/FundedPrograms/CapitalGrants/Documents/2014%20Documents/BGAS%20guidelines%20April%202014%20V4%20Final.pdf) the funds can be used for the planning, construction, alteration, extension, renovation, relocation or upgrading of educational facilities for increased student enrolments and learning enrichment. This includes facilities such as: - classrooms; - libraries; - recreational centres; - sporting facilities; - student accommodation; and - any essential furnishings and equipment associated with the project. The funds cannot be used for religious facilities, acquisition of land, general maintenance or projects where the contract for constructions commenced prior to Ministerial approval. ## How to apply under the Scheme For applications to be successful schools will have to be affiliated with either the NSW Catholic Block Grant Authority or the AISNSW Block Grant Authority as it is these bodies which will administer the Scheme on behalf of the NSW government and assess each application for funding. All applications will be considered and recommendations made to the Minister by 30 September each year. More information about the administration of the Scheme and important dates for 2015 funding applications can be found within the [Guidelines](https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/FundedPrograms/CapitalGrants/Documents/2014%20Documents/BGAS%20guidelines%20April%202014%20V4%20Final.pdf)[ for the Building Grants Assessment Scheme for NSW Non-Government Schools.](https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/FundedPrograms/CapitalGrants/Documents/2014%20Documents/BGAS%20guidelines%20April%202014%20V4%20Final.pdf) Association of Independent Schools of NSW executive director Geoff Newcombe was also in attendance. He [said ](http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/adrian-piccoli-announces-major-funding-for-catholic-schools-in-oran-park/story-fngr8h70-1227405631232)at a press conference to announce the new funding: “As parents contribute around 80 per cent of the costs of independent school infrastructure, this improvement in funding will support the significant investment and commitment parents make to the education of their children over the next 15-20 years.” ## Other interesting information from the Budget The Budget [documentation](http://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/126347/bp3_02educ.pdf) also includes information about the funding allocated to the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES).  It is interesting to note the following facts from those materials: - in 2014-15 the BOSTES inspected 190 non-government schools (50 more than forecast); - in 2015-16 the BOSTES expects to inspect 165 non-government schools; and - $9 million will be allocated to the BOSTES for 2015-16 in relation to their management of non-government school and home-school registration and teacher accrediation programs. The BOSTES can conduct [inspections](http://rego.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/faq/inspection-visits/) for a variety of purposes, including to discuss with a principal about teacher professional development programs and to examine the school’s documentation for its registration and accreditation requirements.  Given the increased obligations of non-government schools (as well as ‘responsible persons’ in these schools), particularly with respect to the [new governance standards, ](https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/2015/01/29/raising-the-bar-meeting-new-standards-in-school-governance/)it will be interesting to see what trends emerge from any BOSTES inspections carried out in the new financial year.   ###### Share this [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/2015/07/09/nsw-private-schools-to-benefit-from-new-budget%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/2015/07/09/nsw-private-schools-to-benefit-from-new-budget](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/2015/07/09/nsw-private-schools-to-benefit-from-new-budget%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/news/2015/07/09/nsw-private-schools-to-benefit-from-new-budget) ##### About the Author **Cara Novakovic** ## Resources you may like ###### Article ##### Setting your boarding staff up for success: why policy clarity matters Boarding governance touches on child safety, complaints handling, student health, and much more.... 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